Jeppesen Sued by ACLU for Rendition Flight Support

In a rare case in aviation, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing Jeppesen Sanderson (a Boeing property) for its part in aiding so-called “extraordinary rendition” flights. Specifically, the suit says that Jeppesen Dataplan provided support in the form of flight planning and handling for flights conducted primarily by the CIA to take alleged terrorists overseas to be tortured. The ACLU is alleging that, by aiding the secret transfer of people whose human rights have been abused, Jeppesen broke the Alien Tort Statute. ACLU lawyer Steven Watt told AIN that the aim of the suit is to “shine an international light on the extraordinary rendition program and corporate complicity in that program.” Though the basis of the lawsuit is monetary, Watt said he was unable to reveal how much the ACLU is seeking because of the nature of the court proceedings. A Jeppesen spokesman said the company is unable to comment at this time.